Patriotic events planned for area throughout weekLAWRENCEVILLE - Independence Day is a federal holiday that is celebrated annually throughout the United States to commemorate the Declaration of Independence which was approved by Congress on July 4, 1776. Lawrence and surrounding counties have a number of patriotic events planned for the public to celebrate what is commonly known as "the birth date of the United States."

Festivities begin on Tuesday when Aperion Care in Bridgeport will host its Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Display beginning at 6 p.m. The event will feature children's activities, food trucks, games and more before a display of fireworks will be set off at dusk. All activities will take place on the lawn of the facility located at 900 E. Corporation Street in Bridgeport. The celebration is open to the public.

On Wednesday, Citizens National Bank of Albion will hold a Freedom Celebration at its Bridgeport Banking Center location, 100 East State Street in Bridgeport. The bank is inviting the public to visit the location from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to enjoy refreshments and giveaways. A Summer Splash gift pack will be given away which includes two any-day tickets to Holiday World and Splashin' Safari.

The City of Sumner will hold its annual 4th of July Fireworks at the Sumner City Park beginning at dusk on Thursday. Dairy Dee will be on hand to offer free ice cream cups (supplies limited) and other concessions will be available for purchase.

Also on the fourth, the City of Vincennes will hold its annual Independence Day parade at 6 p.m. (EST) in downtown Vincennes. The parade will run from Second and Hart streets, travel to Seventh and Hart streets, take Seventh Street to Main Street before turning north onto Second Street. Fireworks over the Wabash River will begin at dusk.

Central Christian Church, 303 Buchanan Drive in Lawrenceville, is holding a Community Fish Fry on July 5 from 5-7 p.m. in the gymnasium at the church. Central is inviting the public to attend, at no charge, to enjoy the air-conditioned building, fellowship and a meal with sides. The church is preparing the food and providing the clean-up. In addition, the City of Lawrenceville will hold its fireworks display at Lawrenceville High School, James Street, begininng at dusk.

The patriotic activities will continue on July 6 when the Village of St. Francisville hosts its annual Fish Fry and Fireworks event at River Park. A softball tournament is scheduled to kick off the day at 8 a.m. at the baseball diamond in St. Francisville. Catfish dinners will be served beginning at 11 a.m. in the pavilion at River Park. The menus includes: fish sandwiches, hamburgers, fish dinners, sides, dessert and a drink. Music will be provided from 5-8 p.m. by "Guys and Rosie." A fireworks display over the Wabash River will begin at dusk. Those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair to the event.

In addition to the annual events in St. Francisville, Police Chief Billy Darnell is inviting those with boats to attend a parade on the Wabash River. The idea is to meet before the fireworks display for a "parade of lights" on the water. Darnell stated that the parade of lights will take place, even if the fireworks are postponed due to high water on the river. The St. Francisville Police Department will have a location set up for those participating to park their boat trailers and vehicle transport will be provided back and forth from the dock.

Residents across the county are encouraged to decorate their yards and porches in patriotic decorations and flags in support of the holiday.

The public is also being advised to follow all city ordinances regarding the use of fireworks on personal property.